Renault Fluence ZE
To distinguish itself from its internal combustion-engined cousin, Renault Fluence ZE features the distinctive and defining hallmarks of Renault's electric vehicles. Fluence ZE is instantly recognisable thanks to a number of blue-tinted details, from the lights and fog light surrounds, to the front and rear Renault logos and the Fluence badge. Fluence ZE also features entirely redesigned rear lights - including a strip of blue-tinted diamond shapes - plus a specific, more open grille design.
Standing at an overall length of 4.75 metres, the electric version of Fluence is 13 cm longer than the internal combustion-engined model. This has enabled the batteries to be located behind the rear seats. The sides have consequently been redesigned to maintain the visual balance of the original version. Employing fluid, crisp lines, the design of Renault Fluence ZE features longer quarter panels which harmonise with the longer rear overhang.
The rear window, now framed by lengthened quarter panels similar to those seen on some coupés, is extended by a smart gloss black strip. The lights also contribute to the overall visual balance of the car by extending onto the sides of the body.
In harmony with this distinctive profile, Renault Fluence ZE stands out through its gloss black mirror housings, body colour bumpers (standard on Dynamique versions) and two charging flaps located on the front wheel arches. The boot lid features a chrome strip with an embossed, blue-tinted Fluence ZE monogram. Finally, the lower part of the rear bumper features a black diffuser to reduce aerodynamic drag. In the same spirit, the wheel design, which is unique to Renault Fluence ZE, has been conceived to reduce aerodynamic turbulence. Seven body colours are available, including Energie Blue, a new shade exclusive to Fluence ZE.
Renault Fluence ZE is proof that an electric vehicle doesn't have to be a small city car with limited open road ability .
Renault Fluence ZE's interior comes with all the features available for the internal combustion-engined version. The on-board computer now displays essential 'electric vehicle' information, such as instantaneous and average fuel consumption, range, battery charge and discharge. The 'energy gauge' indicates the battery's level of charge, in the same way as a conventional fuel gauge. The trim strip on the uncluttered dashboard wears an exclusive aluminium shade, while markings on the centre console indicate the range of possible positions for the transmission control lever (forward drive, rear drive, neutral and park).
The width of Renault Fluence ZE is the same as that of the internal combustion-engined version, which means its cabin is as spacious as that of a saloon car from the next segment up, including elbow room (1,480mm front/1,475mm rear) and rear space among the best in its class.
Thanks to the lengthened rear section, boot capacity remains unchanged at 317dm3, in spite of the incorporation of the battery. A folding panel is incorporated at the back of boot to facilitate stowage of the battery charging cable, for example, Stowage is optimised when this panel is positioned vertically. Access is simplified thanks to the low sill (698mm) and wide aperture (1,020mm).
Renault Fluence ZE provides more than 23 litres of storage space in the cabin, including a nine-litre lit glove box for the Dynamique version, a 2.2 litre cubby in the centre console and front door bins of 2.6 litres each.
It takes no time to adapt to Renault Fluence ZE thanks to its carefully designed ergonomics and simplified interfaces.
It is easy to find the ideal driving position thanks to a range of adjustment possibilities, as well as controls that fall readily to hand. In a matter of seconds, it is possible to adjust the angle of the seat back and head rest, modify the lumbar support, adjust the height of the steering wheel or adapt the seating position (height and fore/aft position adjustable through 70mm and 240mm respectively).
Renault Fluence ZE features a raft of useful technologies, such as an integrated navigation system, networked and adapted for electric vehicles, Bluetooth® telephony and dual-zone automatic climate control, plus automatic headlight and wiper activation. In order to make them easier to use, these systems are perfectly integrated to ensure impeccable ergonomics: controls for the radio, telephone and cruise control, for example, can be reached without removing one's hands from the steering wheel.
The avantgarde Fluence ZE includes a large, centrally positioned screen which serves as the control panel for your new electric universe.
A suite of networked services permits intelligent mobility aimed at optimising range, finding the ideal itinerary and, in the case of business customers, optimising the management of fleets.
With the My Z.E. Connect Pack, you can also access range-related data from outside your vehicle, on your smart phone or computer. At work, at home or wherever you may be, it is possible to find out about the status of the battery (level of charge, time required for it to be fully charged, vehicle range, etc.), receive a warning that the battery charge is getting low or consult your battery charging history.
Available for Fluence ZE and Kangoo Z.E, Fleet Asset Management is a dynamic fleet management system aimed at long-term lease companies and fleet operators. It provides daily updates on distance travelled, energy consumption, battery charge status, etc. About 60 different information streams are transmitted daily to optimise management of electric vehicle fleets. This service can cost as little as €5 per month (plus VAT).
It's a completely new driving experience in an electric vehicle - and a genuine source of enjoyment.
The first surprise when you test an electric vehicle is the silence when you're on the move. There's no engine noise, and careful attention has been paid to the cabin's soundproofing to make the most of this new environment. At standstill, the car seems to be 'switched off', although an audible signal - coupled with a 'GO' light - tells you that Fluence ZE is ready to drive. It pulls away in total silence, but you soon become guided by wind and road noise. Driving is calmer, more serene; motoring has never felt quite so Zen...
The second surprise is its electric motor. Peak power of this synchronous electric motor with rotor coil is 70kW (equivalent to 95hp) at 3,000rpm, while maximum torque is 226Nm. This torque is delivered instantaneously and ensures crisp, immediate and constant acceleration across the power band. Having maximum torque available every time you press the throttle guarantees a safe and enjoyable drive. It's a unique, astonishing feeling, and perfectly suited to today's mobility needs and driving challenges. You no longer need to shift gear, either; you just concentrate on the road ahead. Driving is as fun as it is reassuring.
Renault Fluence ZE also signals the disappearance of exhaust fumes; no unpleasant smells, no more smoke... Clean and quiet, Fluence ZE will radically change the quality of life in built-up areas.
Renault Fluence ZE's architecture has been modified compared to the internal combustion-engined Fluence in order to meet the specific requirements of its electric motor.
Fluence ZE has been completely rethought. Not only is it longer, but its weight distribution is also influenced by the electric motor which is lighter than any of the internal combustion engines available for Fluence (160 kg compared to 200 kg for an entry level diesel engine). The front end has consequently been designed with softer suspension. At the rear, however, the battery has introduced additional mass, 280 kg, although its location near the drive train - between the rear seats and the boot - has no detrimental impact on handling. The redesigned rear end contributes to Fluence ZE's safety performance and driving enjoyment, since the revised weight distribution ensures a well-balanced handling package.
Renault Fluence ZE is fitted with low rolling resistance tyres. The Goodyear-developed EfficientGrip permits reduced fuel consumption thanks to extensive work on its carcass and sidewalls. The tread pattern, which is identical to that of a traditional tyre, permits a high standard of road holding and braking performance.
The electronic driving aids - ABS and ESC - have been recalibrated to match the different weight distribution resulting from the addition of the battery. In terms of passive safety, the structure of Renault Fluence ZE has been modified to ensure the same level of safety as the internal combustion-engined version of the car. Meanwhile, the rear sub-frame and chassis rails have been strengthened in order to accommodate the battery. Renault Fluence ZE is extensively equipped for its segment, with features including double seat belt pretensioners and six airbags as standard.
Hot and cold weather, dry and wet climates, rough and dusty roads... The shock treatment inflicted on Fluence ZE during its testing phase confirmed its strength and robustness in all conditions.
Renault Fluence ZE has benefited from a design process totally independent from that of Fluence. It has been subjected to numerous extreme endurance tests in order to guarantee optimal reliability and durability, particularly with respect to the demanding driving conditions encountered in certain markets. It has also been developed to deliver optimum safety thanks to a long list of equipment including ABS and emergency brake assist as standard features, ESC, up to six airbags, three-point seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, cruise control and speed limiter, etc.
In the course of its development, Fluence ZE underwent a gruelling endurance test programme in extremely exacting conditions (extreme heat, cold weather, poor roads, dusty conditions, etc.). More than 100 test vehicles completed almost five million kilometres. In addition to the standard procedures, additional tests were carried out to cover the specific requirements of electric drive.
As an electric vehicle, Fluence ZE inaugurated fresh ways to torture a new car, from fire tests and flooding to electronic compatibility and cutting open, etc. This work was carried out in close collaboration with specialist engineers, fire fighters and France's Ministry for Ecology, Sustainable Development, Transport and Lodging, but Fluence ZE came through every test with flying colours.
Months of more conventional road tests also enabled Fluence ZE's ability to cope with real-world motoring conditions to be validated.
Some 87 percent of daily journeys in built-up are as involve driving less than 60km. Do you really need a range of 800km for everyday motoring?
With an NEDC combined cycle range of 185 km, Fluence ZE is wellsuited to the majority of daily journeys. In real-world use, range can be as high as 200km in ideal driving conditions. In extreme conditions (combining severe weather, a sporty driving style, hilly terrain, etc.), range can fall to around 80km. In effect, the range of electric vehicles varies more than that of internal combustion-engined vehicles and depends on factors such as speed, the lie of the land, use of the climate control system or heater, the outside temperature, driving style (sporty, normal or 'eco-driving'), etc.
In contrast to internal combustion-engined vehicles, electric vehicles are most economical in built-up areas, in heavy traffic. This is partly explained by the fact that, when an electric vehicle is at a standstill (red light, heavy traffic, etc.), it consumes almost no energy. At the same time, thanks to the system which recovers energy under deceleration, frequent stops partially compensate for the energy consumed while on the move.
HOW DO I CHARGE MY BATTERY? THE DIFFERENT OPTIONS
There are two ways to charge the battery of your Fluence ZE As networks of battery charging facilities expand rapidly, you will always find a way to 'fill up' on energy.
In collaboration with public bodies and private partners, Renault has been working for three years on battery charging infrastructures. The Renault- Nissan Alliance has signed more than 100 partnership agreements with public authorities (national, urban and regional) across the world, energy providers, infrastructure operators, research and development centres, shopping malls, public car parks, hotels, etc.
In Europe, contracts have been signed in all major markets with governments and electricity suppliers (RWE in Germany, EDF in France, Acciona in Spain, a2a and Enel in Italy, etc.). These commitments lead to a prediction of some 50,000 charging points across Europe for the first half of 2012.
The easy-to-use Wall-Box is essential equipment for conventional battery charging at home. As its name suggests, it is a wall-mounted unit, similar to an electricity meter. In addition to working as a transformer, it incorporates a specific high-voltage socket. It must be installed by an approved electrician. To make life easier for the customer, Renault puts customers in touch with representatives of partner companies like EDF or Schneider Electric in France, RWE in Germany, Enel or a2a in Italy, etc. The main advantages of this type of charging point are its speed, compliance with standards, user-friendliness and its ability to communicate with the electricity network in order to benefit from the most attractive rates, at night or during off-peak periods. A complete battery charge takes between six and eight hours,
For occasional charging, Renault provides a cable that can be connected directly to a 220V home supply. With this method, charging takes between 10 and 12 hours.
Vehicles in the Z.E. range can hook up to any public charging facility for a full standard charge (between six and eight hours). Indeed, Fluence ZE complies with the standards that cover electric vehicle battery charging station networks.
The majority of these points are located in places where vehicles usually park, so you don't need to drive off-route to 'fill up'. Renault has already begun partnerships with the likes of E. Leclerc supermarkets, Unibail Rodamco (shopping centres across Europe), Vinci Park car parks, etc.
For an even faster 'charge', you can, depending on market, swap your empty battery for one that's ready to use. This process takes less than five minutes - the time of filling a tank of petrol - in partnership with Better Place at dedicated facilities. They are currently planned in Israel, Australia and Denmark, while negotiations are ongoing in other countries.
Careful driving, ingenious energy saving systems... It's easy to extend the car's oper ating range .
You can view the parameters related to your vehicle's range at any time using the Man Machine Interface specially developed for the needs of electric vehicle owners. This interface includes a battery charge gauge, an on-board computer which calculates the vehicle's potential range, plus an indication of average and instant energy consumption (kWh), as well as the remaining kWh.
An econometer explains how energy is being consumed: high consumption in red, normal in light blue and energy recovery in dark blue. An intelligent navigation system (Carminat TomTom® Z.E. LIVE) comes as standard equipment and locates the nearest charging points. It indicates their availability (depending on country), includes them in route planning and enables the driver to see how far he or she can travel as a function of the vehicle's remaining range.
Even more so than with an internal combustion-engined vehicle, you too can play an active part in extending the range of your electric vehicle. For example, by following a few eco-driving guidelines, you can extend your range by up to 18 percent.
An Eco Mode function is available on Fluence ZE Activating this button restricts the climate control and heater functions for a range gain of up to 10 percent.
Battery charging under deceleration: when the driver's foot lifts from the throttle pedal, kinetic energy is recovered by the motor, which converts it into electric current. This current is then used to charge the battery.
Renault Fluence ZE is equipped with pre-heating and pre-air conditioning systems. While the vehicle is plugged, it is possible to set the required cabin temperature remotely. Fluence ZE therefore offers maximum temperature comfort as soon as you get inside, and the system has no impact on range.
Electric vehicles offer a unique feature : unlike internal combustion-engined vehicles, running out of energy is covered by the battery lease contract.
The vehicle's range, which is two or three times superior to the daily requirement of most drivers, plus the fact that batteries can be charged almost anywhere should mean running out of energy is a very rare occurrence. Nevertheless, if you reach the limits of your battery, the vehicle doesn't come to a sudden stop but continues to drive at reduced speed for several kilometres. This allows you to get away from traffic, so that you can call breakdown assistance, who will tow your vehicle free of charge to a battery charging point. If you experience other problems linked to battery performance, the network will immediately exchange the battery or offer a replacement vehicle.
